As Aidan walked off, carrying Linara in his arms, Seraphina called out mockingly, "Best of luck to you both. Let's see how long it takes before you're crawling back, begging for help." It was a brutal blow—each word striking with pinpoint accuracy, tearing at the very core. Enraged, Aidan hastened his steps, silently vowing never to set foot in the Whitewood family again. Linara, too weak to fight back, had no choice but to follow him passively. Moments later, the sound of a car engine roaring outside echoed through the house. Seraphina sneered in disdain, thinking he had some grit but soon realized it was all just empty bravado. She looked over at Oberon, her voice smooth yet firm. "If you wish to have him back, you'd better freeze all his bank accounts immediately." Oberon was seething, but deep down, his love for his son still outweighed his anger. "Seraphina, that was uncalled for," he said, irritation edging his tone. "Uncalled for?" She raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "That's generosity in comparison. The business world doesn't forgive weakness. Your son has no strategy, no wit, and can't even hold his temper. Can someone like that succeed in negotiations? He'll be devoured whole if he continues on like that." She shrugged, her calm demeanor unwavering. "Let him struggle now—it's a far better lesson than letting him learn the hard way later at the expense of the Whitewood Group." Her reasoning was unassailable, delivered with cold logic. He gave a brief nod before dialing his secretary, issuing instructions to freeze every account linked to Aidan without delay. Chloe watched, impressed by how easily she had maneuvered her calculating husband into submission. Aidan, along with Linara, arrived at their city villa, only to find it locked and unavailable. After making a few inquiries, he learned that the property had been sealed off. Fuming, he was left with no choice but to head for a hotel. Yet, his card was declined, and his wallet contained barely enough cash to cover the room. Though he had braced himself for hardship, the reality of being cornered with no way out only served to heighten his rage. Instead of regret, his feelings were now consumed by a burning hatred—for Oberon, Chloe, and above all, Seraphina. Ultimately, he had no other option but to take Linara to the hospital, seeking help from a friend to manage their desperate situation. The siblings were utterly destitute, their plight as miserable as it could get. Elsewhere, Kelly, Carmen, and Abigail—three high-society young women—were experiencing the harsh consequences of family punishment for the first time. Though each of them had sustained injuries, none were as grave as Linara's. Their families had taken swift action, freezing all their assets and forbidding them from having any further contact with Linara. Aidan, under the illusion that retreating to a friend's house would provide them refuge, soon discovered how wrong he was. Their troubles were far from over. Meanwhile, Seraphina dialed Jayden's number immediately after she locked the door to her room. "Mr. Smith, I need a favor." He asked, "What's the matter?" It hadn't been long since our last conversation. What trouble could have arisen now? Could Oberon be coming after her for something? "I need you to subtly spread the word that my father is thinking of replacing the current heir, and that the two adopted children of the Whitewood family have been disowned," she spoke evenly, without hesitation. Jayden was surprised. "That's doable." This young woman certainly knew how to play the game! After the call ended, Jayden wasted no time and immediately reached out to Mr. Thomas. Thomas had just wrapped up his work on set when he received the call. "Mr. Smith, did the gift make it? Is the little one pleased with it?" Jayden's voice held a knowing tone. "Don't worry about it. That girl you're looking out for? She's got it all handled. No need for my intervention." Thomas dismissed the idea with a nonchalant tone. "What do you mean by 'looking out for'? She's just like a younger sister to me." But, deep down, he couldn't deny how much Seraphina's presence drew him in. Hearing that, Jayden raised an eyebrow, skeptical of the act, but he kept his thoughts to himself. "But just so you know, it seems like Mr. Jason has taken a particular interest in her. If you're serious, you might want to keep an eye out—better act quickly before someone else beats you to it."